Connections

Mike Maker

Trainer

Maker, the son of a trainer, grew up in the suburbs of Detroit attending races at Hazel Park and Detroit Race Course. At the young age of 13, Maker was already involved in the Thoroughbred industry as a horse owner. He was an assistant for Hall of Fame trainer D Wayne Lukas and worked with Kentucky Derby winner Charismatic. Maker opened his own stable in 2003 & has trained top horses including: Eclipse Award winner, Hansen, Derby Kitten and Stately Victor.

Alan Garcia

Jockey

Alan Garcia’s father and grandfather were both professional riders in Garcia’s native Peru. Garcia was named leading apprentice in his country and soon moved to the United States to advance his riding career. In 2008, he won the Belmont Stakes aboard Da’Tara which spoiled Big Brown’s attempt at a Triple Crown. Garcia will be making his 4th consecutive start in the Kentucky Derby. Other top mounts include Regal Ransom and Alpha.